The Pacific Deterrence Initiative: Strategic projects that protect the US and its allies

Currently, there is a “great power competition” emerging geopolitically. China has been growing its political influence across the South China Seas area. Their strategy is to establish a presence in the area by building infrastructure in surrounding nations and Pacific Islands. Not only does this accomplish economic growth for their country, but it also provides them access to influence, presence, and resources from the nations where they are building infrastructure.

While the infrastructure development benefits the Chinese economy, there is a stronger political motivator that the US must evaluate strategically. With China’s foray into development in other nations, they expand their footprint and the gain influence in that new region, and in some cases diminishes the US’ ability to provide influence after investments are made and relationships are built.

Recently, there is increasing concern as China establishes infrastructure and makes investments in the Solomon Islands. Since they will now have ties to China, this could influence their government’s decisions. Geographically, the location of military infrastructure would significantly extend China’s military reach in the area. With the potential reunification of China and Taiwan as another factor, it has those in US defense industry questioning if there could be desire for expansion beyond that footprint, and what needs to be done to deter this.

The strategy to counter China’s position is to ensure the US’ influence in the region does not diminish. Through the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, the US is making key investments that build relationships with surrounding nations. In the next five to 10 years, we can expect to see significant and increased investment in infrastructure that promotes security in the region and strengthens deterrence.

The US and its allies such as Australia and New Zealand benefit from coming together to collectively invest in the South China Seas region. These investments demonstrate the countries’ commitment and resolve to help keep this region safe and improving quality of life for those countries. Investments strengthen alliances in the region and engage nations such as Fiji, Vanuatu, the Philippines and Solomon Islands. There is urgency to act. The premise is that if the US or its allies are first to invest, the recipient countries will be less likely to accept investment from China. Different regions coming together to strategically place infrastructure could help in the common goal of deterring China from furthering its influence.

South-Pacific nations also benefit from accepting investments and military projects which would improve the quality of life for their people. These include improving access to clean water, enhancing access to safe infrastructure and advancing education systems. Using local labor, resources and vendors helps boost the economy of the countries with these infrastructure projects, helping to raise the standard of living.

There are often parallel humanitarian projects in conjunction with military projects. Tangential projects often occur with military troop labor to improve local schools, roads, accessways, clinics or other infrastructure. The projects are identified by local government, working together with the US embassy to identify needs in the area. It demonstrates to the local community that the US is interested in building the quality of life, leaving an impression and making a difference for the countries.

Several factors aid in the efficient delivery of these strategic projects. Knowledge of the political landscape of a country, the environmental challenges, the permitting processes and how to bring in resources and imports through customs are all nuances that come with decades of experience and are unique to each country. Knowing how to navigate those challenges and work with local authorities to execute work is imperative for these types of projects.

GHD has more than 70 years of experience in this part of the world; working with local government officials to successfully execute work and adapt to local government conditions. With over 5,000 staff in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific theater and nearly 2,000 in the U.S., we have successfully delivered both U.S. Federal Government and Australian Defense projects in areas such as Fiji, Vanuatu, Guam and Hawaii.

Each location where we can build relationships with governments will be a key component in the US’ Pacific Deterrence Initiative. Speed to market for important strategic projects is important to keeping the US and its allies safe and prosperous.